It yielded some interesting findings overall, and offered a glimpse at how we as an industry may potentially be looked to to help address the overall quest to improve the patient experience.

The 790 respondents from 660 different organizations over all 50 states and the District of Columbia were asked 33 questions in an online survey. They represented both individual hospitals and health groups/systems from rural, urban, and suburban locales.

Singapore is home to over 4 million residents; all of whom benefit from a thriving biomedical industry, an integrated healthcare structure, a large base of skilled medical professionals, the latest in medical technology and an international standard judiciary system. These foundational elements, among others, have contributed significantly to Singapore’s longstanding reputation and healthcare capabilities as a bio-health hub and medical marvel destination in Asia. While all of these attributes are commendable, and places Singapore on the medical tourism, health and wellness map, there is one aspect that places them on the forefront as a world-class destination ~ that of the patient experience.

70-year-old Canadian resident, Marguerite, had a history of scoliosis since her teens. Although she had undergone two successful surgeries in the past, she still had recurrent back pain that flared up occasionally. Over the years, her pain ebbed and flowed, but became increasingly debilitating to the point where she could no longer work full-time as a layout editor. Finally in September 2008, Marguerite made her decision to travel to Singapore for her back problem upon hearing of Parkway Health’s excellent medical capabilities and healthcare facilities in Singapore. Upon receiving the necessary clinical care and pain management protocols she has been able to benefit from an overall higher quality of life since treatment.

Another international patient, U.S. resident Annie Bujakowski from Big Bear City, California flew over 9,000 miles for knee replacement surgery at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore instead of pursuing surgical treatment options in the US. The surgery was performed successfully and achieved its desired clinical outcome, while resulting in significant savings to her employer as well.